A Prayer for Boldness to Speak the Truth in Love
By Emily Rose Massey
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” - Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV
Several years ago, I reconnected with a college friend who moved back to the area because of her career. We were not very close when we went to school together, but we attended some of the same classes and hung out at the same parties. She and I were party animals back then; So, it was exciting for me to find out that since college graduation, she, too, became a Christ follower.
I reached out to her on Facebook and asked if we could meet up sometime when she got settled in her new place. She gave me her phone number, and we set up a time for her to come over and visit. We had such an amazing conversation sitting there in my living room, while my little one played. Considering our wild college days, it was a beautiful picture of redemption to reconnect and talk about the Lord! Over the next few months, our relationship blossomed, and we spent time praying together and discussing things we were learning in the Word. We seemed to be on the same page theologically until one day, she texted me from a women’s conference to tell me the Lord had given her instructions about her future. What she told me plainly contradicted Scripture. I had two choices: encourage her to pursue what she believed the Lord was telling her to do; or lovingly correct and lead her to what the Bible says on the matter, knowing very well I might offend her by questioning what she heard from God.
I chose to point her to the truth found in God’s Holy written Word. This situation happened a couple more times in our friendship. Each time, her reaction to loving, Biblical correction affected our relationship in a negative way. Eventually, she decided it was best not to speak on theology matters. She chooses to follow what she believed the Lord was telling her to do, moved to a different state, and continued to participate in unbiblical practices and beliefs. The friendship faded, and we both moved on. Of course, it does sadden me that our friendship had to end this way, but I can rest in knowing I obeyed the Lord by following what the Bible tells all Christians to do: speak the truth in love.
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16, ESV).
Speaking the truth in love isn’t about winning an argument or wielding the Bible to attack others’ beliefs. It is about lovingly guiding people back to Scripture so the Body of Christ can be built up in the knowledge of God, equipped to minister for God’s glory. The truth may offend, but our delivery does not need to be offensive. We long to see others walk in the truth so that we can see lives changed and the gospel go forth. Truth divides, but we do not want to be divisive with our words as if we are trying to prove ourselves right. It's not about being right (God is right). We want to learn how to rightly discern God’s Word together and grow spiritually. It can be intimidating to stand up for and speak the truth. It often makes us uncomfortable because we don’t want to come across as someone who is a “know it all” or a lover of confrontation. Yet, we show love for God and show love to others by pointing them to the truth found in God’s Word. We can only do that with His help. May we ask for the boldness to lovingly share His truth with others so they can be free of the entanglement of lies and deception and equipped in and built up in His love.
Let's Pray:
Dear Lord,
I know that Your Word commands us as Christians to speak the truth in love. This task isn’t always easy because we might fear rejection from those You have called us to reach. I ask You to empower me with Your grace and that Your Spirit would endow me with boldness. Help me to renew my mind with Your Word. Thank You for the leaders You have placed in my life who help me rightly divide the Scriptures so that I am not deceived. Help me care enough to speak up so that others are also not deceived. Truth matters because souls matter to You, and You want to see the Body of Christ walking in truth and love so we can shine brightly for the world. Let them see Your truth shining brightly in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/ PaulCalbar
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